Having made a noteworthy impression on his Kaizer Chiefs debut against Royal AM at the weekend, Christian Saile Basomboli is already looking forward to Amakhosi’s next assignment, against TS Galaxy on Sunday.

The 22-year-old, signed from Zambian club, Nchanga Rangers, has literally hit the ground running in the Gold & Black, with his lightning pace drawing gasps of excitement from the Amakhosi faithful during his cameo appearance from the bench last Sunday.

Basomboli, who hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, joined the club during the mid-season transfer window and was only cleared to play the day before Amakhosi faced Royal AM.

“I was very happy when I found out my documents were ready because I wanted to play for Kaizer Chiefs as soon as possible, “ he tells www.kaizerchiefs.com. “I was very pleased to be involved in the match day squad.”

The Amakhosi faithful are a discerning fanbase, renowned for needing to be convinced of a new player before being won over. Yet, if what he showed on his brief debut is a portent of what is to come, the charismatic Basomboli could become an instant fan favourite with the number 21 he wears on his back soaring in popularity.

“I got a good reception from the Chiefs fans. As a new player it made me feel good to hear them welcome me,” he says appreciatively, adding “I like jersey number 21, it’s a good number. When the coach offered it to me, I said, ‘That’s good for me’.”

Basomboli has already made a measurable impact on the fortunes of Kaizer Chiefs. His electric pace to set up Ashley Du Preez’s tap-in was on display for all to see, but the fleet-footed attacker’s focus is always on the next game.

“You finish one game and then focus on giving 100% against Galaxy in the next one,” he says with a determined look in his eye, recognising that there is still a lot to play for this season, and encourages his new fans to come to the stadium to inspire them

“They must keep supporting and pushing us on. We’ll do the best we can to make them happy,” he promises.

The match takes place on Sunday, 5 February at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. Kick-off is at 15:30.

Tickets for the match are on sale at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers for R50.